The closure of the narrow streets around an infant school in Stretford at drop-off and pick-up times for pupils has received a mixed response in the neighbourhood.

Trafford council is trialling the ‘School Streets’ scheme near Victoria Park Infant School in a bid to limit the effects of pollution and increase road safety.

From last week, Henshaw Street, which runs along the rear of the school, was closed to traffic between 8.45pm and 9.15am and again between 2.45pm and 3.15pm.

Victoria Park is the sixth school in Trafford to be included in the scheme.

The restrictions mean that parents cannot drive their cars near the school during specified times, but residents in the streets are exempt, as are emergency vehicles, doctors and nurses on call, carers and support workers.

Public transport like minibuses and taxes, postal and delivery vehicles, blue badge holders as well as tradespeople working on properties in School Street zones are also exempt.

However, one resident who does not wish to named, said they felt it was a breach of their ‘freedom of movement’.

“I am against the trialling of any form of barrier, temporary or otherwise across Henshaw Street,” he said.

“I am not against a proposal to improve the quality of health of the children of the school. I am in favour of reducing any danger to the children from cars and pollution while walking to school.

“I am in favour of the staff and visitors to the school setting a positive example to the parents and children, by taking part themselves in reducing their pollution levels from their cars and embracing a more active form of transport to the school, in line with the desire of the council.

“For this to be successful the school needs to embrace this attitude themselves and not just for the children and parents.”

One parent who arrived in Henshaw Street and parked just outside the barriers said: “It’s a brilliant idea. I’m more than happy to park away from school for the safety and wellbeing of the children. I’m all for it.”

Trafford council leader Tom Ross is a ward councillor for the Stretford and Humphrey Park ward, which includes the school.

Cllr Ross and ward colleague Cllr Jane Slater were on hand on Monday to help put up the barriers on Henshaw Street.

“It’s a scheme that has proved successful at other schools in the borough,” said Cllr Ross.

“We are hoping for a positive response from the local community, parents and residents.”

Also in attendance was Hannah Stanton, Trafford’s School Streets officer and Lizzy Gough, the borough’s walking, wheeling and cycling lead.

The temporary road closure will repeated on the other side of Victoria Park Infant School, on Howard Street, tomorrow (Wednesday, January 10) and on both Henshaw Street and Henshaw Street on Thursday January 18.

Other schools in the scheme are: Flixton Primary School, Urmston School, Seymour Park Community Primary School in Stretford, Tyntesfield Primary School and Moorlands Junior School both in Sale.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Trafford Council is committed to reducing the numbers of cars around schools and making streets like Henshaw Street a safer environment for our children and young people.

"Temporarily pedestrianising the area makes it a calmer and considerably less dangerous experience for everyone and supports our priorities around active travel and health and wellbeing.”